I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: Adam_W on January 12, 2008, 12:49:07 PM

Title: do-it-yourself declot
Post by: Adam_W on January 12, 2008, 12:49:07 PM

Yesterday as I was getting ready to dialyze, I discovered that the arterial side of my catheter (venous side for me since I have to reverse my lines) was clotted from the hub to the clamp. My first thought was "Ohhhhhhhhh Shiiiiiiiiiiiit! now I'll have to go and get this fixed!" I called my nurse to let her know what happened, and she was asking exactly how clotted it was, and she said "hey, this is something you may be able to fix yourself". So, following her suggestions, I carefully injected different combinations of saline and heparin into the catheter, and slowly aspirated the syringes back and forth. I kept at it for about 15 min, and gradually the clots were broken up and drawn into the syringe. When I got on the machine, I ran for about 15 min. with the catheter connected the "right" way (non reversed) so if any clots were still in the arterial side of the catheter, they would be drawn safely into the dialyzer instead of into me. After 15 min., I was able to reverse my lines, increase the blood flow rate to my normal 450, and the rest of my run went perfect. My pressures were normal, and when I got off, both lines of my catheter were clear and free of any traces of clots. Sheesh, I guess this is taking "self-care dialysis" to whole new levels.

Adam

Title: Re: do-it-yourself declot
Post by: jbeany on January 12, 2008, 03:04:16 PM

Go Adam!  Beats another trip to the clinic any day!

Title: Re: do-it-yourself declot
Post by: kitkatz on January 12, 2008, 07:17:40 PM

Cool. Isn't it nice to be able to solve things at home with a little help?

Title: Re: do-it-yourself declot
Post by: goofynina on January 12, 2008, 10:51:44 PM

YOU GO BOY!!!!  :2thumbsup;  ;)

Title: Re: do-it-yourself declot
Post by: Joe Paul on January 12, 2008, 11:01:55 PM

Good job Adam  :thumbup;

Title: Re: do-it-yourself declot
Post by: Bajanne on January 13, 2008, 03:19:25 PM

Both you and the nurse impress me a lot.  That was very forward thinking of her to empower you like that.  Great story!  i don't know if I would have been able to do it, but.......

Title: Re: do-it-yourself declot
Post by: KT0930 on January 13, 2008, 05:10:03 PM

And that's exactly why more patients should do some form of home dialysis. When you can fix your own problems, you're truly in charge of your own health. Way to go, Adam and Adam's nurse!

Title: Re: do-it-yourself declot
Post by: cris on January 13, 2008, 08:38:26 PM

 :2thumbsup; :2thumbsup; :2thumbsup; :clap; :clap; :clap; :bow; :bow; :bow; What COURAGE!!!